Here's why she recommends that everyone start their days
with a glass of water:

1. Drinking water first thing in the morning immediately helps
rehydrate the body.

The six to eight hours of recommended nightly sleep is a long
period to go without any water consumption. Drinking a glass or
two of water right when you wake up, however, is a good way to
quickly rehydrate your body, Batayneh says.

"Most people have their coffee first thing in the morning," she
says. "Although it is a good source of antioxidants, it is also
dehydrating. You can offset this with water."

2. Drinking water first thing in the morning increases your
level of alertness.

"One of the biggest indicators of lethargy or low energy is that
you are dehydrated," Batayneh says. "Because water aids in both
body regulation and brain function, it is also closely related to
balancing out our moods."

After a long period without anything to eat or drink, the first
thing you consume in the morning can be a shock to the body.
If that first thing is ice water, it will get the body working
and "can boost your alertness and low energy levels," she
says.

3. Drinking water first thing in the morning helps fuel
your brain.

When it comes to daily productivity, hydration is
crucial. The human brain is made up of 73% water, Batayneh
says, so staying hydrated is especially
essential for maintaining optimal brain activity. It is, of
course, a daylong process, but starting with a glass
of water right away is a step in the right direction, she
says.

"The mornings set the tone for the rest of your day,"
Batayneh says. "If you feel sluggish, it will reflect in your
activity (morning workout), productivity at work, and even your
routine with the kids."

4. Drinking water first thing in the morning can help you
fight sicknesses.

When you're sleeping, your body is in repair and recovery
mode, Batayneh says. During this time, your immune system is hard
at work ridding your body of toxins. By drinking enough water,
you can speed up the process in which your body flushes
those toxins.

Aside from the brain, a majority of many of the body's
other major parts, like the heart, kidneys, and lungs,
is water, she says. Simply put, staying hydrated is a key
ingredient in staying healthy.

5. Drinking water first thing in the morning jump-starts
your metabolism.

The essential carbohydrates and proteins that
you consume on a daily basis are metabolized and
transported by way of water throughout the body. Having
a sufficient amount of water in your system will
help fire up your metabolism, Batayneh says, and it can
also help with your diet.

"When we are not adequately hydrated, we can mistake thirst
with hunger, which leads us to eat more," she says.